Port Angeles, WA - Yesterday, around 4:30 p.m., park staff received reports of a fire burning in the Hurricane Ridge area as a result of recent lightning strikes on the Olympic Peninsula. Park personnel confirmed that a wildland fire was burning in a tree stand approximately 2,000 feet downslope from the intersection of the Hurricane Ridge parking lot and Obstruction Point Road. Currently estimated at one acre, the Hurricane Fire is burning in heavy dead and downed fuels in steep terrain. The fire is showing moderate creeping and smoldering behavior with some isolated torching and minimal growth overnight.
As soon as the report was received, Olympic Interagency Fire Management resources from the NPS and USFS responded, and suppression efforts were made into the night. Fire personnel continued suppression efforts this morning, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Resources included a hand crew, one engine, and a water tender. Additional resources have been ordered to assist and help mitigate any other fires that may have been caused as a result of the recent lightning strikes.
Park staff have confirmed that there is an additional small fire burning near the Obstruction Point parking lot. The Eagle Point Fire is estimated to be 1/4 acre in size. Fire personnel are monitoring this fire and do not expect substantial growth.
On Aug. 18, 2023, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest implemented a fire ban including charcoal fires. The move to Stage 2 fire restrictions is due to continued hot and dry conditions that are forecasted to continue at least through the end of October, as dry conditions in the region persist.
Closures
The Hurricane Ridge Road is closed just past the Heart O' the Hills entrance station for firefighter and public safety. Visitors can still access the Heart of the Hills Campground. For updates on road status and weather conditions please call 360-565-3131 or visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/olym.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Today's weather forecast for the Hurricane Ridge area is calling for a 40% chance of showers with partly sunny skies, winds around 10 mph, and temperatures around 54 degrees.
Smoke from the Hurricane and Eagle Point Fires may be visible in the coming days depending on weather conditions.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
National Interagency Fire Center: https://www.nifc.gov
Active Fire Information - Incident Information System: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic
State and county area burn bans: www.waburnbans.net
Tags: fire wildfire hurricane ridge olympic national park
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service